The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress(ADC), Najeem Salaam, has expressed confidence in winning the ongoing Osun State governorship election if the process is free and fair.
Salaam spoke shortly after casting his ballot at Unit 003, Iroyin Ayo Open Space, Ward 004, Ejigbo, where he arrived alongside his wife.
The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly said he believed voters across the state were ready for a change and would support his candidacy.
“Without manipulation, I will win this election. The people of Osun are behind me and they are ready for change,” he said.
However, Salaam raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the election, claiming that reports reaching him from different parts of the state indicated widespread manipulation.
He said his party was monitoring the situation and expressed hope that the will of the electorate would ultimately prevail.
The ADC candidate also denied allegations that his party was involved in vote-buying, insisting that the party remained committed to allowing voters to freely choose their preferred candidates.
“Our party is not involved in vote buying. We believe that the people should be allowed to freely choose the candidate they want,” Salaam said.
He further alleged that some ADC agents were prevented from participating in the electoral process at certain polling units, describing the development as a concern that could affect the transparency of the election.
Salaam urged voters and his supporters to remain peaceful and vigilant as voting and the subsequent counting of ballots continued across Osun State.
